If you told me five years ago that I would have twins I wouldn't have believed you. If you had told me I would have 2 sets of twins I would have thought you were nuts (what were the odds right?). But if you told me that I would get crazy into scrapbooking I probably would have laughed until my face was covered with tears.
I've always put scrapbooking into that goody goody girly category, along with majoring in Elementary Ed and being really into Bedazzling. Of course, I've kind of become my own worst version of that goody goody girly girl and I've surprised myself with how much I enjoy scrapbooking since starting a couple months ago-which is especially crazy since I have zero time, but I'll explain why I'm making time for it.
It began a year ago with a donation to Ian's sister's school- one of those fundraisers where you buy magazines you've never heard of. My random pick:
Creating Keepsakes. While I was on bedrest I leafed through it and preserving memories somehow struck a chord with me. A recurring scrapper theme is pausing a moment--clocks are a popular embellishment--and that's what scrapbooking's mission is I think, fighting the relentless passage of time to capture the beauty of a moment with a loved one (see below, by Gabriellep). It's more than photo taking, it's journaling and creating an artistic representation that captures the details of these fragile slices of life.
Things change so fast, especially with kids. Recently I scrapped a special afternoon when Caleb woke up early from his nap and had me all to himself. He ate muffins and sang to me. Scrapping about it somehow made the memory so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. It's easy to get swept up in the current of time and scrapbooking helps me savor the moments and remember them.
An added bonus is that it helps me understand my kids better. While I journaled on my two page spread about how Julian can't let his 'Doggie' out of his sight I realized he developed the attachment when I was on bedrest and he was at his Grandma's house. It was his way of coping from being away from me; I saw Doggie in a new light.
When I was working as an editor I always had something to show for myself at the end of the day- a scene ready for screening, a killer montage, whatever. I compiled the best of my work into a short sample called a reel I used to get other jobs. With mothering the day rolls to an end and I feel I don't have much to show for myself: the house is often a mess, the meals are eaten and gone and my kids don't really look or seem all that different. I've come to see scrapbooking as my new reel, my motherhood portfolio if you will, a way to capture my work and focus my perspective beyond being overwhelmed by the lost shoes and the unruly children to the magic of this incredible time of having four babies at home.
I've always put scrapbooking into that goody goody girly category, along with majoring in Elementary Ed and being really into Bedazzling. Of course, I've kind of become my own worst version of that goody goody girly girl and I've surprised myself with how much I enjoy scrapbooking since starting a couple months ago-which is especially crazy since I have zero time, but I'll explain why I'm making time for it.
It began a year ago with a donation to Ian's sister's school- one of those fundraisers where you buy magazines you've never heard of. My random pick: Creating Keepsakes. While I was on bedrest I leafed through it and preserving memories somehow struck a chord with me. A recurring scrapper theme is pausing a moment--clocks are a popular embellishment--and that's what scrapbooking's mission is I think, fighting the relentless passage of time to capture the beauty of a moment with a loved one (see below, by Gabriellep). It's more than photo taking, it's journaling and creating an artistic representation that captures the details of these fragile slices of life. 
Things change so fast, especially with kids. Recently I scrapped a special afternoon when Caleb woke up early from his nap and had me all to himself. He ate muffins and sang to me. Scrapping about it somehow made the memory so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. It's easy to get swept up in the current of time and scrapbooking helps me savor the moments and remember them. 
An added bonus is that it helps me understand my kids better. While I journaled on my two page spread about how Julian can't let his 'Doggie' out of his sight I realized he developed the attachment when I was on bedrest and he was at his Grandma's house. It was his way of coping from being away from me; I saw Doggie in a new light. 
When I was working as an editor I always had something to show for myself at the end of the day- a scene ready for screening, a killer montage, whatever. I compiled the best of my work into a short sample called a reel I used to get other jobs. With mothering the day rolls to an end and I feel I don't have much to show for myself: the house is often a mess, the meals are eaten and gone and my kids don't really look or seem all that different. I've come to see scrapbooking as my new reel, my motherhood portfolio if you will, a way to capture my work and focus my perspective beyond being overwhelmed by the lost shoes and the unruly children to the magic of this incredible time of having four babies at home.
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9 comments:
I've always been so bad at taking pictures. I just find the whole thing a bit tedious except when I find something that really inspires me like an amazing souk in the heart of a Moroccan city or Oliver playing in the snow. Even though I've taken a lot more photos in the past two years than usual I always feel like this is an area in which I need to step up. What an inspiring post you've written for me...I'm going to get my camera right now.
Your blog is part of your reel, too! I know what you mean about becoming someone different than you had ever imagined.
I liked this post a lot. I think your reasons for scrapbooking are right on. I hate it when people act like a mandatory chore. Of course, I hate it when they act like parenting is a mandatory chore, too.
Good for you Meliss. You amaze me with all you are able to do! Your boys are so blessed to have such a great and thoughtful mom.
I'm impressed and quite a bit frightened by the compelling argument you have made here for scrap-booking.
Your work is lovely, though.
This really struck a chord with me- don't know that I will ever become a scrapper, but I love the idea of a "reel" and pausing to reflect and record those moments that pass so quickly and recognize the important work that can easily get lost in the dinner rush, school rush, shopping lists, laundry pile . . . you know what I mean!
Wow. I'm so impressed they look so good. you've been sucked into the scrapping vortex, and it seems to suit you!
Love it - I'm totally inspired now!!
Impressive work you do! Wow. You are really good at that!
I love thinking about it as a motherhood portfolio - I often feel like I don't accomplish anything during the day, but this is a great way to preserve memories! Your pages are beautiful!! You must be wonder woman to fit everything into your schedule that you do! You are so on top of it all!!
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